Vent and flashing system

ABSTRACT

A vent and flashing system; the vent and flashing system includes a vent and flashing assembly including a base plate, a vent, an internal check valve and a cover. The vent and flashing system is capable of being mounted to a roof deck and counter flashed using existing metal panels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/630,049 filed Feb. 13, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of roof vents and more specifically relates to an improved metal roof vent and flashing system.

2. Description of Related Art

Roof vents are commonly installed near bathrooms or kitchens. Exhaust vents can leak water through the flapper, along with blowing up and down with the wind and making an extensive amount of noise. Air may be allowed to enter into a building through a fan located inside. Current exhaust vents are susceptible to weather damage, requiring extensive and expensive repairs. Further, standard exhaust vents cannot be used on conventional roofing panels. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,923 to Daniel L. Rich relates to a vent hood and flashing assembly for metal roof. The described vent hood and flashing assembly for metal roof includes a vent hood which overlies and is joined to flashing. A cover and a screen overlie an upper end portion of the flashing to exclude rain, snow and pests. The flashing includes a resilient, flexible, water-repellant, flexible flange that extends outward from, and is attached to, a lower end portion of the flashing and a flexible, ring seal that overlies an upper surface of the flange. The assembly can be placed over a projection through an opening in a metal roof such that the cover and screen overlie an upper end of the projection and with the flashing surrounding the projection, and the flange can be bent to sealingly conform to the roof surface and secured thereto by fasteners.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known roof vents art, the present disclosure provides a novel vent and flashing system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide roofs with a modified, leak-proof vent and flashing system capable of being mounted to a roof deck and counter flashed using existing metal panels.

A vent and flashing system is disclosed herein. The vent and flashing system includes a vent and flashing assembly which may include a base plate, a flexible bottom, a vent having a shape with a bottom-end wider than a top-end, an internal check valve installed in the vent and a cover for removable placement over the vent.

A method of using vent and flashing system is also disclosed herein. The method of using vent and flashing system may comprise the steps of: providing the vent and flashing system as above; installing the vent over a middle of at least one of the plurality of ribs on the metal roof; installing the internal check valve in the vent; installing the base plate over the vent, such that the flexible bottom may be mounted flush to a surface of the metal roof, creating a watertight seal; and removably placing the cover over the vent.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a vent and flashing system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the vent and flashing system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the vent and flashing system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the vent and flashing system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the vent and flashing system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the vent and flashing system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to roof vents and more particularly to a vent and flashing system as used to improve the venting of buildings.

Generally disclosed is a modified, leak-proof vent and flashing system capable of being mounted to a roof deck and counter flashed using existing metal panels. It may ensure vent(s) can exhaust air while maintaining a watertight seal from all types weather elements.

The system may include a rubber base, a removable snap cover, and an internal check valve designed to allow for easy and customized installation on a number or roofing surfaces. Alternate designs may be optional and capable of including square or round caps for covering metal roof vents. As above, the system may include a base plate constructed using sheet metal and including a flexible rubber base so that it may be mounted flush to the roof. The system may include a triangle or A-shaped vent, a removable snap cover, and an internal check valve. The system may be configured for installation over a middle of a rib on a metal roof surface without allowing any weather elements to backup or flow beneath the roof. The removable snap cover may allow for customized installation on a variety of roofing surfaces. Further, the flashing may be durable and capable of withstanding hail, heavy winds, etc. The system may be constructed using metal, rubber, and other suitable materials. The system may be available in various sizes in order to accommodate all user needs and preferences. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4C, various views of a vent and flashing system 100.

FIG. 1 shows a vent and flashing system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the vent and flashing system 100 may include a vent and flashing assembly 105. As shown, the vent and flashing system 100 may be configured for installation on a metal roof 5, the metal roof 5 including a plurality of panels 10, the plurality of panels 10 each having a plurality of ribs 15 thereon. Preferably, the vent 120 and flashing system 100 may be configured for installation over a middle of at least one of the plurality of ribs. Further, the vent 120 and flashing system 100 may serve to make a covered portion of a building effectively weather resistant.

FIGS. 2A-2B shows various perspective views of the vent and flashing system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vent and flashing assembly 105 may include a base plate 110, a vent 120, an internal check valve 130 and a cover 140. As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the base plate 110 may be counter flashed using existing metal panels. As shown, the vent 120 may have a shape with a bottom-end 124 wider than a top-end 126. In one embodiment, the shape of the vent 120 may be substantially triangular. In another embodiment, the shape of the vent 120 may be substantially “A”-shaped.

Preferably, the base plate 110 may include a flexible bottom 112. The base plate 110 may be constructed from a sheet metal and the flexible bottom 112 may be constructed from a rubber material. However, other materials are contemplated such as plastic, silicone, etc. The flexible bottom 112 of the base plate 110 may be configured to be mounted flush to a surface of the metal roof 5 and create a watertight seal. Similarly, to the vent 120, the base plate 110 may include a triangular shape in one embodiment, and in another embodiment may include an A-shape. Preferably, the base plate 110 may include a cavity 114. In keeping with the shape of the base plate 110, as shown, the cavity 114 may include a cavity shape equal to the shape of the vent 120 such that when the base plate 110 is placed over the vent 120, a periphery of the cavity 114 lines up with a periphery of the vent 120 and thus aids in creating the watertight seal.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the vent and flashing system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown here is the vent and flashing system 100 installed in the metal roof 5. The internal check valve 130 may be installed in the vent 120. Further, as shown, the cavity 114 of the base plate 110 may at least partially house the internal check valve 130 therein. Preferably, the internal check valve 130 may include a first port end 132 a second port end 134. The first port end 132 may be configured to exhaust fluid and gas from the building via the vent 120. The second port end 134 may be configured to inhibit penetration by the fluid and the gas from the roof, or external from the building to prevent 120 anything from leaking into the building via the vent 120.

FIGS. 4A-4C shows various perspective views of the vent and flashing system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the cover 140 may be configured for removable placement over the vent 120 (FIG. 2A). In another embodiment, as shown, the cover 140 may be configured for removable placement over the base plate 110. In this embodiment, the base plate 110 may include an extension 116, defining the cavity 114 and forming an outer surface thereof, configured to accept the cover 140. Preferably, the cover 140 may include at least one fastener 142 for removably fastening the cover 140 to the base plate. Further, as shown, the cover 140 may be the triangular shape in one embodiment or the “A”-shape in another embodiment. In addition to this, as shown, the extension 116 on the base plate 110 may be the triangular shape in one embodiment or the “A”-shape in another embodiment. As shown in this embodiment, a cap 150 may also be provided for covering the internal check valve 130 to further prevent 120 anything from leaking into the building.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for customized vent and flashing installation on a metal roof 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method for customized vent and flashing installation on a metal roof 500 may include the steps of: providing 501 the vent and flashing system as above; installing 502 the vent over a middle of at least one of the plurality of ribs on the metal roof; installing 503 the internal check valve in the vent; installing 504 the base plate over the vent, such that the flexible bottom may be mounted flush to a surface of the metal roof, creating a watertight seal; and removably placing 505 the cover over the vent.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for vent and flashing system 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of roof vents as described herein, methods of installing roof vents will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A vent and flashing system for installation on a metal roof, the metal roof including a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels each having a plurality of ribs thereon, the vent and flashing system comprising: a vent and flashing assembly including: a base plate including a flexible bottom; a vent having a shape with a bottom-end wider than a top-end; an internal check valve installed in the vent; and a cover for removable placement over the vent.
 2. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, further comprising a cap for covering the internal check valve.
 3. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the shape of the vent is substantially triangular.
 4. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the shape of the vent is substantially “A”-shaped.
 5. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the internal check valve includes a first port end and a second port end.
 6. The vent and flashing system of claim 5, wherein the first port end is configured to exhaust fluid and gas.
 7. The vent and flashing system of claim 5, wherein the second port end is configured to inhibit penetration by fluid and gas.
 8. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the flexible bottom is configured to be mounted flush to a surface of the metal roof and create a watertight seal.
 9. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the base plate is substantially constructed from a sheet metal.
 10. The vent and flashing system of claim 8, wherein the flexible bottom of the base plate is constructed from a rubber material.
 11. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the base plate is a triangular shape.
 12. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the base plate is an “A”-shape.
 13. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a cavity; wherein the cavity at least partially houses the internal check valve therein; and wherein the cavity includes a cavity-shape equal to the shape of the vent.
 14. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the cover includes at least one fastener for removably fastening the cover to the base plate.
 15. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the cover is a triangular shape.
 16. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the cover is an “A”-shape.
 17. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein said vent and flashing system is configured for installation over a middle of at least one of the plurality of ribs.
 18. The vent and flashing system of claim 1, wherein the vent and flashing system serves to make a covered portion of a building effectively weather resistant.
 19. A vent and flashing system for installation on a metal roof, the metal roof including a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels each having a plurality of ribs thereon, the vent and flashing system comprising: a vent and flashing assembly including: a base plate including a flexible bottom; a vent including a shape having a bottom-end wider than a top-end; an internal check valve installed in the vent; a cover for removable placement over the vent; and a cap for covering the internal check valve; wherein the vent and flashing system is configured for installation wherein the internal check valve includes a first port end and a second port end; wherein the first port end is configured to exhaust fluid and gas; wherein the second port end is configured to inhibit penetration by fluid and gas; wherein the base plate is substantially constructed from a sheet metal; wherein the flexible bottom of the base plate is constructed from a rubber material; wherein cover includes at least one fastener for removably fastening the cover to the vent; over a middle of at least one of the plurality of ribs; wherein the flexible bottom is configured to be mounted flush to a surface of the metal roof and create a watertight seal; and wherein the vent and flashing system when installed allows that installed-portion to be effectively weather resistant to moisture entering.
 20. A method for customized vent and flashing installation on a metal roof, the metal roof including a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels each having a plurality of ribs thereon, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vent and flashing system, the vent and flashing system including: a base plate including a flexible bottom; a vent including a shape having a bottom-end wider than a top-end; an internal check valve installed in the vent; and a cover for removable placement over the vent; installing the vent over a middle of at least one of the plurality of ribs on the metal roof; installing the internal check valve in the vent; installing the base plate over the vent, such that the flexible bottom is mounted flush to a surface of the metal roof, creating a watertight seal; and removably placing the cover over the vent. 